Dundee Literary Salons

The Dundee Literary Salons series was conceived by Dundee University's Professor of Creative Writing, Kirsty Gunn, as a way of bringing together members of the Dundee community in a relaxed, informed but informal environment to meet with publishers, writers and agents to discuss writing, culture and ideas.

The Salons are like no other 'Reading' or 'Lecture' or 'talk' on offer anywhere else - in Scotland or beyond - breaking down the barriers that all too often inhibit the growth and expression of cultural life for ordinary people.

Instead here is a forum in which everyone's ideas matter, irrespective of professional background, taste or experience.

Now in the their 5th year, Dundee Literary Salons are a key element of our continuing and developing cultural and literary life at Dundee.

Come along and be inspired and engaged by this years line up of exciting guests.

The salons run from 5.00-7.00pm in DCA, Nethergate, Dundee.

They're completely free and seats will now be available on the night itself on a first come, first served basis, so get there early.

2012

6th September

Lesley McDowell is a writer and critic for newspapers such as the FT, the Scotsman and the Guardian, who is based In Scotland. Lesley's critically acclaimed book, "Between the Sheets" explores the turbulent relationships of nine of the world's most famous female writers with the "bad boys" of literature.

Join us to hear Lesley discuss women's writing, the role of the critic and how to review a book.

4th October

Matthew McVarrish is an actor and playwright who has had critically acclaimed shows in both the UK and America. Matthew is also writing his first novel and is coming to Dundee to tells us tales of the stage (writing for it and acting on it), of the lonely art of writing a book and how he combines his different lives.

1st November

Russel McLean is our very own Dundee hero, a crime writer with a worldwide audience. He's becoming one of Britain's best known and well-travelled crime writers. In this salon, Russel will read from his new novel, "Father Confessor" and talk us through the process of creating a truly gripping crime novel.

6th December

Janice Galloway is one of the best known and well respected writers in Britain today. Not only is she an excellent prize-winning writer of fiction, but Janice has now written the first two books of her fascinating memoirs about growing up on the west coast of Scotland. Janice is a wonderful reader and speaker, come early to make sure you get a seat.